Improved disposable applicator for topical composition

Abstract

An applicator has a reservoir adapted to contain a fluid and a pad in fluid communication with the reservoir. A tab serves to seal the fluid reservoir at a breakable connection, with breaking of the breakable connection allowing passage of fluid from the reservoir into the pad. The tab may be removable, or it may be embedded in the tab. Fluids with which use of the applicator is contemplated include sterilizable fluids for therapeutic applications to tissue, including topical liquids such as tissue adhesives for surgical applications, coatings and sealants. One candidate fluid is a cyanoacrylate prepolymer.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The invention is directed to single-use disposable applicators for the application of liquids. More particularly, it is directed to improved applicators and methods for applying adhesives, sealants and coatings, and particularly for the application of medical adhesives, sealants and coatings. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Disposable containers for small to medium quantities of reactive or medicated liquids tend to be based on a few concepts: bottles screw caps; mechanical rupture of a thin section of a container, such as in a glass ampoule with a fragile neck, plastic eye lubricant container with a twist off tab, Unicep=198 dispenser with a snip off point, and like. Where application or spreading of the liquid is also required, there are fewer options available, such as fragile breakage of a glass container inside an applicator, or mechanical piercing of a film of foil seal to release the contained...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Where application or spreading of the liquid is also required, there are fewer options available, such as fragile breakage of a glass container inside an applicator, or mechanical piercing of a film of foil seal to release the contained fluid.

In the first case, such as in the DERMABOND™ applicator, the breakage of a glass ampoule poses a risk of use or patient exposure to broken glass.

Piercing a film or foil requires a mechanism such as a screw or pin, and most designs require use of two hands or a seal that can leak and spill the enclosed liquid.

One newer design uses a built in weakness in a sealed tube which when squeezed causes the weakness to fail, creating an opening through which the enclosed liquid is release.

These applicators expose the user or patient to the risk of contact with broken glass.

This applicator is prone to leakage in use and requires two hands to operate.

In the Hardwood Popule™, gentle squeezing pressure on the tubular container causes hydrostatic pressure to build up throughout the tube and causes a rupture at the weakest point.

In summary, the prior applicators are messy due to leakage, dangerous because of the presence of glass, require two hands to operate or are variable in performance.

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